Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson has apologised to fans over a trade request in Week 8.
Speaking at a pro-am golf tournament in Phoenix, the Arizona Cardinal defender took a microphone and declared: "I just want to apologise to everybody for asking for that trade in the middle of the season. I'm here to stay, baby."
A coaching overall following the 2018 season sparked optimism in fans and players alike, with Peterson telling ESPN he wishes to honour the remaining two years on his contract but "we'll see how this stint goes with coach [Kliff] Kingsbury. [General manager] Steve Keim and [team president] Michael Bidwill, they'll have some decisions to make once that time comes. "
Fans in Arizona didn't think the season could get much worse when Peterson requested a trade in Week 8 - since citing his frustration at a 1-6 start. Arizona's defense was in the midst of a downturn following Steve Wilks' appointment as head coach, ultimately going from the 6th-rank defense in 2017 to 20th until Wilks.
ProFootballFocus metrics show Peterson enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2018, but the former All-Pro was unhappy with overall results and lack of improvement. Having spoken to Bidwill in recent weeks, Peterson seems refreshed by recent coaching hires.
"I work on taking receivers out," the 28-year-old told AZCardinals.com: "... Last year I kind of had that taken away from me. But now I think hiring Vance Joseph [as defensive coordinator] and Mr Bidwill getting some input from me, asking me what I think can help this defense get back to what we were accustomed to doing --that's what they did in the off-season."
Peterson has not been critical of former head coach Wilks however, telling ESPN he believes he "had a great coach last year. I just believed he got caught in a tough situation."
Only time will tell whether Peterson remains happy with the team holding the first overall pick in this April's draft.
Mark Hogan
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